Elphaba Thropp is shown to understand The Grimmerie, an artifact that plays a critical part in the story of one of the highest-grossing movies of 2024, with a sequel scheduled for release in 2025.

The Grimmerie in Wicked is revealed to be an ancient spellbook full of Ozian magic that very few can understand. Its full lore is established during the song "One Short Day" when Elphaba and Glinda arrive at the Emerald City. Upon being shown the spellbook by the Wizard and Madame Morrible, Elphaba can understand its mysterious language and casts magic spells; the Grimmerie serves as a pivotal aspect in her journey to becoming The Wicked Witch of the West in Wicked.

Elphaba Can Read The Grimmerie Because Of Her Unique Heritage

She Is Part Human and Part Ozian

In the song "The Wizard And I," Elphaba expresses her wish to travel to the Emerald City and meet the mysterious Wizard of Oz. Her wish is finally granted when she receives his invitation and she and Glinda travel to the Wizard's palace. Upon arrival, Elphaba is shown the Grimmerie by the Wizard and Madame Morrible; after reading the Grimmerie's strange language, she inadvertently casts a spell on the Wizard's monkeys and gives them wings. This result surprises both the Wizard and Madame Morrible, neither of whom has been able to decipher the mysterious text in the ancient book.

In the original novel and the Broadway musical, it's revealed that only those with natural magical powers are able to read and understand The Grimmerie. Those who are born in Oz, like Madame Morrible, and in the real world, like the Wizard, are not able to read it. In the musical, it's revealed that Elphaba was born half-human and half-Ozian, making her "a child of both worlds" according to Madame Morrible. This gives viewers a justifiable reason why she can read The Grimmerie and cast magic throughout Wicked.

Elphaba Will Learn Why She Can Read The Grimmerie In Wicked 2

The Sequel Will See Elphaba Learn The Truth About Her Father

The ending of Wicked shows Elphaba taking The Grimmerie from the palace and flying away from the Emerald City. The Grimmerie will likely play an important aspect in Wicked: For Good and potentially see Elphaba cast more magic in her battle against the Wizard and Madame Morrible. As Elphaba learns more magic from the ancient spellbook in the sequel, it is also likely that she will learn the true reasons why she is able to understand its text later in the story.

At the beginning of Wicked, viewers are shown Wicked and led to her being born half-human and half-Ozian as depicted in the musical. As the story continues in the Wicked sequel, Elphaba will likely learn the truth about her father, understand why she can read the magical Grimmerie book, and accept her title as Wicked Witch of the West.